Hand-Colored Electrical Diagram, Signed
Drawing
This hand-colored technical illustration showcases an early electrical relay or switch system, with labeled components and wiring. The diagram is intricately drawn, featuring copper coils, insulators, and mechanical contacts. The colors—golden yellow, deep blue, and red—help differentiate electrical components, wires, and connections. The illustration is mounted on aged, fragile paper with visible creases and small tears along the edges.
This document appears to be a patent or engineering diagram, possibly related to the work of Lewis H. Latimer, an esteemed African American inventor and electrical pioneer. Latimer was instrumental in the development of the electric light bulb and telecommunications, drafting patents for major inventions including those of Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell. Given the precision of this technical drawing, it may have been used for a patent application, instructional reference, or electrical system prototype.
Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]
Handwritten notation at the top: Dept. Eng. No. 6. Rubber Diagram, J. H. & L. H. Latimer, March 15, 1894 Labeled components and electrical connections